What happened
On 18 September 2016, a Mainair Blade, registration G-MYVY, was conducting a private flight when it crashed during the landing phase at Hawksview Airfield, Warrington. The pilot was approaching Runway 08 under favorable weather conditions, including 10 km visibility and a temperature of 15°C.
As the aircraft cleared buildings situated to the west of the runway, the pilot reduced engine power to prepare for touchdown. During this maneuver, the pilot observed that the wind direction had shifted, with the windsock indicating a backing wind from the north. Shortly after this observation, the aircraft impacted the runway, resulting in extensive damage to the airframe. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the impact and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot's recollection of the flight indicated that the aircraft experienced a loss of airspeed following the reduction of power and the change in wind direction. The pilot later determined that the aircraft had entered a stall while on final approach.